Car Blog

iCrossing Study Ranks Paid and Natural Search Visibility of Automakers

iCrossing, a global digital marketing company, today announced the findings of the Vertical Visibility Index: Automotive, the first in a series of studies analyzing the paid and natural search media visibility leaders within specific industry verticals.

iCrossing found that Chrysler, GM and Nissan North America are doing the best job of taking a synergistic search engine marketing approach, with the highest scores for combined visibility. Ford leads for natural search visibility and Hyundai has the greatest paid search visibility for the keyword set analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

• At the OEM level analysis, Ford Motor Company has the largest natural visibility share of market with 22%. They are followed by General Motors Corporation (17%), Chrysler LLC (15%), American Honda Motor Company (11%), and Mercedes-Benz USA (8%). Together, these top five companies make up more than 70% of the total natural search visibility share of market.

• At the brand level, Ford has the highest visibility for a brand with 18% of the natural search visibility market share, followed by Chrysler (12%), Honda (10%), Pontiac (8%), and GMC (6%).

• Of the top 25 keywords by search volume, eight keywords had no visibility for any brand: used car, buy a car, race cars, muscle car, car search, auto loan, car loan, and used car prices.

• Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales USA are the only OEMs with visibility on the top volume keyword, “car”.

• Of the Top 50 Most Visible URLs based on 1st page natural rankings, automobiles.honda.com has the highest position (22nd) for this keyword set within the brand URLs, followed by pontiac.com (40th), fordvehicles.com (47th), and toyota.com (49th).

• For the study keyword set, Hyundai Motor Company has the greatest paid search market share of Google paid search with 30%, followed by General Motors Corporation (22%), and Chrysler LLC (17%). Together, these 3 OEMs have almost 70% of the overall paid search market share on Google for the automotive keyword set.

• Combining the information from natural and paid search analyses, Chrysler LLC, General Motors Corporation, and Nissan North America are doing the best job of approaching search engine marketing with a synergistic approach.

The complete report can be found at http://www.icrossing.com/research

Source: iCrossing

LeaseTrader.com Offers an Affordable Option to Get Out of Your Lease

Despite the price of gas still near $4 per gallon, millions of SUV drivers are hesitant to escape their vehicle simply because they think the cost of exit will outweigh the benefits. Many finance experts caution it will take years to realize the gas cost savings when you calculate what it takes to get rid of your SUV and then shop for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Those that lease their SUV can avoid this messy situation. Even if you still have several months remaining on your SUV lease, nationwide programs are available that let you transfer ownership of your lease to someone else, essentially letting you walk away from your contract. Often, the price to walk away can be less than half of one car payment.

“Like the rest of the nation, the price of gas in Southern California has gotten to the point where consumers have to change their driving habits,” said Southern California resident, Jason Mehrvaz. “I used LeaseTrader.com to get out of my Land Rover lease and saved $24,000 in remaining payments. Also, I probably saved an additional $2,400 in gas since I doubled my MPG from the Land Rover to my current vehicle.”

For some, the cost of breaking an SUV lease can be as high as $10,000. “When you break your lease, you’re essentially paying out the balance of the remaining payments,” said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. SUV drivers can list their vehicle on the site for $79, find someone else to take over the remaining portion of the lease and transfer ownership for $149.

LeaseTrader.com has a full staff of transfer specialists ready to assist people that wish to affordably transfer out of their SUV so they can move on to a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Source: LeaseTrader.com

Zero-emissions vehicle now on the roads of Southern California

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester took delivery of their hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity on Friday, July 25, 2008 at Honda of Santa Monica, one of three dealerships in Southern California that are part of the first fuel cell vehicle dealership network. Yerxa and Ballester are the world’s first FCX Clarity customers and the first of approximately 200 customers who will lease the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years, with the vast majority of vehicles being leased in Southern California.

“The FCX Clarity lease program is one more step toward meeting the societal goals of climate stability, renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “With this key step, we are advancing toward the goal of broader commercialization,” Mendel added. “Establishing a dedicated sales network and service infrastructure provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest level of satisfaction.”

Significant advances over Honda’s previous generation FCX include a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2* [74 mpg GGE (miles per gasoline gallon equivalent)] and a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles*. The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile.

* Based on official 2008 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced new manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for 13 select 2009 Toyota and Scion vehicles. The overall average MSRP for the 13 models increases by $181, or 0.81 percent.

Toyota

The 2009 Avalon full-size sedan adds to its value with additional standard equipment that includes driver and front passenger active headrests, Brake Assist, traction control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and a satellite radio ready color-keyed SDARS antenna and prewire. The base MSRP for Avalon will range from $27,845 for the XL grade to $35,185 for the premium Limited grade. Overall, Avalon prices will increase $520, or 1.7 percent.

The 2009 FJ Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) adds driver and front passenger active headrests, roll-sensing curtain airbags, a VSC cut-off switch, front map light, and a driver-side vanity mirror as standard equipment. The FJ also adds three new colors — non-metallic Black, Silver, and Iceberg White with all-white monochromatic finish. The base MSRP for the FJ Cruiser will range from $23,320 for the 4×2 V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission to $24,910 for the 4×4 V6 automatic. Overall, the price of the 2009 FJ Cruiser increases by $275, or 1.1 percent.

For 2009, the Land Cruiser full-size SUV adds factory privacy glass on the rear side and quarter windows as standard equipment. The base MSRP for the Land Cruiser will be $64,755, representing an increase of $655, or 1.0 percent.

The base MSRP for the 2009 4Runner SUV will range from $28,640 for the 4×2 SR5 V6 to $39,360 for the 4×4 Limited V8. On average the MSRP for the 2009 4Runner increases by $225, or 0.7 percent.

The base MSRP for the 2009 Highlander mid-size SUV will range from $27,600 for the Base front-wheel-drive model with a V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission to $34,520 for the Limited four-wheel-drive V6 with a five-speed automatic. The overall average MSRP for Highlander will increase by $47, or 0.2 percent. The base MSRP for the gas-electric Highlander Hybrid will range from $34,700 for the two-row, four-wheel-drive with intelligence base model to $41,020 for the three-row, four-wheel-drive with intelligence Limited. The overall average MSRP for the Highlander Hybrid increases by $518, or 1.4 percent.

The base MSRP for the 2009 Sienna van will range from $24,540 for the seven-passenger front-wheel-drive CE grade to $37,865 for the all-wheel-drive XLE Limited. The average base MSRP for Sienna will increase $100, or 0.4 percent.

The base MSRP gas-electric Prius Hybrid will range from $22,000 for the Standard grade to $24,270 for the Touring grade. The overall average price for Prius will increase $500, or 2.2 percent.

The 2009 Corolla sedan will receive a price adjustment increase of $100, or 0.6 percent. The base MSRP will range from $15,350 for the Base grade with a five-speed manual transmission to $20,050 for the XRS grade with a five-speed automatic transmission.

A price adjustment for the 2009 Matrix will increase its MSRP by $100, or 0.5 percent. The base MSRP will range from $16,290 for the 4×2 Standard grade with a five-speed manual transmission to $21,950 for the 4×2 XRS with a five-speed automatic.

The 2009 Camry sedan will receive an MSRP adjustment reflecting an increase of $225, or 1.0 percent. The base MSRP will range from $19,145 for the Camry four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $28,695 for the XLE V6 with a six-speed automatic. The gas-electric Camry Hybrid will receive a price adjustment increase of $500, or 1.9 percent. The new MSRP will be $26,150.

Scion

After its introduction last year, the Scion xD carries over unchanged. The manual transmission xD will have an MSRP of $14,650, reflecting an increase of $100, or 0.7 percent. The automatic transmission model will be $15,450 representing an increase $100, or 0.7 percent.

The effective dates for each vehicle’s pricing will vary as many will correspond with their on-sale date. Scion xD pricing went into effect on July 14 and Sienna pricing on July 24. Pricing for the Prius, RAV4, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner and Land Cruiser will become effective on August 1. Avalon pricing will take effect on August 11 while pricing for the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will become effective August 25. Prices for previously launched 2009 vehicles (Corolla, Matrix, Camry and Camry Hybrid) will become effective with North American production beginning August 25 and Japan-sourced vehicles arriving on or after August 25.

Effective with vehicles processed on or after July 14, 2008 the amount of delivery, processing and handling fees (DPH) increased by $60 on all Toyota Division vehicles and $50 on all Scion vehicles. The DPH for Toyota Division vehicles is now $720 for passenger cars and $745 for light trucks. The DPH for all Scion vehicles is $670. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota and Gulf States Toyota may vary.

Series/ Price Change/ Change %

Corolla/ +100/ 0.6%
Matrix/ +100/ 0.5%
Prius/ +500/ 2.2%
Camry Gas/ +225/ 1.0%
Camry HV/ +500/ 1.9%
Avalon / +520/ 1.7%
FJ Cruiser/ +275/ 1.1%
Sienna/ +100/ 0.4%
4Runner / +225/ 0.7%
Highlander Ga/ +47/ 0.2%
Highlander HV/ +518/ 1.4%
Land Cruiser/ +655/ 1.0%
Scion xD/ +100/ 0.7%

Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Highways Agency is showing visitors to the British Motor Show at ExCeL in Docklands how technology keeps our motorways and major ‘A’ roads moving and drivers up-to-date on traffic conditions.

The Agency sets over 2,000 of the familiar electronic variable messages signs many drivers see every day on England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads. The signs are used to warn drivers of delays or dangers ahead and many of the signs such as QUEUE CAUTION or reduced speed limits are actually set automatically by sensors in the road that detect traffic levels.

Highways Agency staff will be on hand in the North Hall (stand N120) of the British Motor Show to demonstrate how this system works. This includes showing how data is gathered from the sensors underneath the road surface.

The stand will also contain a large video wall showing real-time CCTV images of the motorway network, replicating what operators in its eight control centres across England see on a day-to-day basis as they work to clear motorway incidents and get the latest information out to the driving public.

Derek Turner, Highways Agency Network Operations Director said: “The staff on our exhibition stand at the Motor Show are looking forward to meeting visitors and showing them how technology helps keep them moving.

“We also make information available to drivers through a range of channels so people can check the latest information before they set out, and receive bulletins via the radio and roadside signs while they are travelling. Visitors to our stand can pick up a free copy of our popular journey planning guide
‘Think Ahead Move Ahead’. This includes hints and tips on the best way to plan your journey to avoid the traffic and get to your destination stress-free as well as a free road atlas.”

The Highways Agency stand will also have information pods where visitors can try out the Highways Agency’s latest information tools. This includes the 24/7 DAB digital radio station, Traffic Radio, and their website, Traffic England. This site allows you to check what is currently being displayed on all the electronic motorway signs across the country, view images from roadside traffic cameras and even check the current average speed between any two motorway junctions.

Car enthusiasts will also be able to see one of our brand new Land Rover Discovery Traffic Officer vehicles as well as seeing the equipment they use on a day-to-day basis to keep England’s motorways moving.
Source: Highways Agency

Global leader in Personal Satellite Navigation (PND) Garmin is set to cause a stir at this year’s British International Motor Show (BIMS) at ExCel in London which runs from 23rd July-3rd August.

The PND provider will arrive in true style with three stands at the renowned motor show.

In typical Garmin fashion visitors will mingle with the stars of the show including a Ford Kuga, the Team Garmin Powerboat, recently returned from the Round Britain Powerboat race, and a Suzuki Scooter with the latest nuvi PND series attached, whilst discovering a wide selection of brand new Garmin products.

Garmin is also set to take the show attendees on a journey to their favourite places to drive in the UK, as voted for by the public in a recent survey.(1)

The Garmin Great British Drives – situated in the West Entrance of the ExCel atrium – is an interactive experience which allows participants to see, hear and discover what it is like to drive along some of Britain’s best and worst loved roads.

Clive Taylor, Product Director for Garmin Europe comments: “Garmin’s presence at this year’s motor show is bigger and better than ever before.

“We are set to launch four new products, all firsts for the European market, and help thousands of people to experience the joy of a Great British Drive.”

As part of the Great British Drive experience, one lucky person will receive the opportunity to create their personal Great British drive.

This exclusive prize comes complete with use of a Ford Kuga, the new Bluetooth enabled Garmin nuvi 860 with voice activation for complete hands-free driving and a two night stay in any Ramada Jarvis in England courtesy of Enjoy England.(2)

Clive said: “With the current credit crunch resulting in more people holidaying in the UK, a Garmin PND offers thousands of ‘Points of Interest’ from Great Pubs to top tourist destinations. By adding the new ’2008 Good Pub Guide’ and Garmin’s Travel Guide in association with Marco Polo, you have the chance to discover a whole new world on your doorstep.

“Just think, you can get away from it all without the hassle of having to find your passport or pay airport tax.”

To discover Garmin’s Great British Drives for yourself, visit the British International Motor Show at ExCel on Stand N118 see http://www.britishmotorshow.co.uk or for more information on Garmin and its range of products visit http://www.garmin.co.uk .

(1) All figures unless otherwise stated are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2010 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults.

(2) Prizes are subject to Terms and Conditions stipulated by Garmin (Europe) Ltd. and Enjoy England.

Source: Garmin Europe